That's my job...it's what I do.

I know this song(by Conway Twitty) was meant to be from a father's perspective, but it sure works well for a mother, too. When Ann-Marie is scared 1/2 to death, I can sing it in her ear and all is right with the world. For now we pretty much stick to the chorus, highlighted in red. I only copied the first part of the song here as it's the part that pertains to us for many years to come. Thank goodness.

I woke up crying late at night
when I was very young.
I had dreamed my father
had passed away and gone.

My world revolved around him
I couldnt lay there anymore.
So I made my way down the mirrored hall
and tapped upon his door.

And I said "Daddy, I'm so afraid
how will I go on with you gone that way?
Don't wanna cry anymore
so may I stay with you?"

And he said "That's my job,
that's what I do.
Everything I do is because of you,
To keep you safe with me.
That's my job you see."

Here is the rest.... The teenage part I've already been through myself. And I hope it's easy on Murry and me. I'm not looking forward to a time when I cannot make all right in her world with a simple song. The last part....well that's the one that worries me most. For myself and my little darling.

Later we barely got along
this teenage boy and he.
Most of the fights it seems
were over different dreams,
we each held for me.

He wanted knowledge and learning.
I wanted to fly out west.
Said, "I could make it out there
if I just had the fare.
I got half, will you loan me the rest?"

And I said "Daddy, I'm so afraid,
there's no guarantee in the plans
I've made and if I should fail,
who will pay my way back home?"

And he said "That's my job
that's what I do.
Everything I do is because of you
to keep you safe with me.
That's my job you see."

Every person carves his spot
and fills the hole with light.
And I pray someday I might
light as bright as he.

Woke up early one bright fall day
to spread the tragic news.
After all my travel, I settled down
within a mile or two.

I make my living with words and rhyme
and all this tragedy
Should go into my head and out instead
as bits of poetry.

But I say "Daddy, I'm so afraid,
how will I go on with you gone this way?
How can I come up with a song to say
I love you?"

That's my job, That's what I do
Everything I do is because of you
to keep you safe with me.
That's my job you see.
Everything I do is because of you
to keep you safe with me.

In case anyone wondered just what it is that I think about WAY too deeply late at night. There ya have it.

Here's a video with the song in it...for your listening pleasure.